Last night we went to a church to celebrate Christmas with some street kids (mostly young men but there were two women). The street kids are linked with a ministry called Micah Project. The Micah house takes boys off of the street and instructs them on how to live well and meaningful lives. At the beginning of the night, one of the Micah staff members requested that the boys leave their glue (a cheap drug from the street) outside the church. While another person labeled the bottles with the person’s name, I collected the glue in a box. I felt like a bouncer. Such an odd and hard situation these boys live everyday. The night continued with some songs, a performance, and a meal. Each person who attended received a Christmas gift of practical items; such as: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, socks, and also some candy and cookies. While I watched the gifts being distributed, I wondered if this would be the only gift that some of these guys receive for Christmas.
A little about the Micah Project: on Fridays, some of us teachers go to the Centro (downtown) to play soccer with the street kids. The boys play very intensely, it’s a little frightening because they have so much strength and nothing to lose. I usually join a team but end up mostly watching, I may kick the ball a few times within a night. My nick name amongst the boys is China Pop or Chinita. The translation is pretty obvious. Their lives are very broken; they are so young (their ages range from 6-25) but have lived such a dark life. Most of the boys who we play soccer with have a strong addiction to shoe glue. They carry old bottles around that contain a yellowish/brownish substance which they are constantly inhaling; the fumes are strong. After the game of soccer the boys are served a meal: usually a big pile of fried rice and 3 corn tortillas. Micah meets the boys where they are at, regardless of how high they are, and attempts to inspire them to move from despair into hope. It’s amazing to witness a project that really touches the hearts of these boys. This is their website http://www.micahcentral.org/Streets07/streets07.htm
Lastly, as most of you know I will be in Honduras for Christmas. If you'd like to send me mail I would really appreciate that. I would love to have some encouraging words from you. Here is my address:
Michelle Prince
IST
Box 2282
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
CA (Central America)
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010! I'll maybe write next week, if not for sure after I come back from Guatemala!
22/12/09
I stayed the night on Sunday with a friend who works on staff with Micah Project-it was a really good night. Every Sunday night they have a worship time for the boys and the staff. I am no longer alone in Honduras for Christmas due to various people who have invited me over.
I also have a better website to check out Micah: http://www.micahcentral.org/
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
El Salvador- a lot like California- a little bit of paradise!
During our Thanksgiving break three of my friends and I went to El Salvador.
I spent most of Thanksgiving Day in a bus; we spent more time at the border entering El Sav than we did Monday returning back to Honduras. Sage’s friend met us up at the bus station; she waited two hours because our bus was majorly late. Then we hooked up with an awesome Taxi company that took us directly to our hostel at Playa San Diego, near La Libertad, a little over an hour south. This was seriously my favorite hostel experience, no lie. We met some really neat people and had a blast playing various games. The couple that ran El Roble was very warm. I seriously would love to move here permanently, when I finally decide to form roots but I say that about a lot of places.
On Friday and Saturday we went to the beach and surfed. The first day I only got up once but the next day I was able to get up three times. I felt like I had complete control of my motion well until I got knocked down. San Diego was very isolated; it was nice to have the entire beach to ourselves. For lunch, we went back to the hostel; I ordered ceviche which was very tasty. Then we played pool volleyball and lounged around most of the afternoon. In the evening we went to the main beach, La Libertad, and explored. La Libertad was mostly a pier with a fish market. We found a light house that had a restaurant at the top. Our dinner sun-set was very beautiful. Back at the hostel we played some card games and jumbo janga. By the end of the night, I danced to Thriller in a ridiculous red dress because I lost and then played volleyball until 1 am. Loads of fun!
On Saturday morning, we participated in a turtle release. Each of us was able to free a baby turtle into the ocean. We watched as they got tossed back and forth, we called it the Turtle Liberation Movement. We had to say goodbye to la playa and begin the second half of our trip. We were going back to the capital, San Salvador, to visit Sage’s friends. We met them at a very posh coffee shop. We continued our conversations over sushi (the first sushi since being away). The parts of San Salvador that we experiences reminded me a lot of the OC. Later that night we ate some home made pupusas and watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness.
On Sunday, we went to church. Sage’s friends have really found a home within their church congregation, something I envy. In the afternoon, we went to a coffee plantation where we drank coffee and ate dessert. The coffee plantation was located at the top of a mountain. That night we country lined danced in the living room. (I miss you Laura!)
The last adventure was our Taxi ride to the bus station on Monday morning. We had a friend call our taxi for us and we thought he knew where he was going. He didn’t… so we arrived at our bus station a little after noon when it was supposed to leave at noon. Good thing we are in Central American time. Oh, also for those who are curious, we were able to enter the country after the election. Things went more smoothly than a lot of us had envisioned.
PS: I received the best news when I returned. I will be having a visitor during the holiday season.
Thanks Mego for the pics!
I spent most of Thanksgiving Day in a bus; we spent more time at the border entering El Sav than we did Monday returning back to Honduras. Sage’s friend met us up at the bus station; she waited two hours because our bus was majorly late. Then we hooked up with an awesome Taxi company that took us directly to our hostel at Playa San Diego, near La Libertad, a little over an hour south. This was seriously my favorite hostel experience, no lie. We met some really neat people and had a blast playing various games. The couple that ran El Roble was very warm. I seriously would love to move here permanently, when I finally decide to form roots but I say that about a lot of places.
On Friday and Saturday we went to the beach and surfed. The first day I only got up once but the next day I was able to get up three times. I felt like I had complete control of my motion well until I got knocked down. San Diego was very isolated; it was nice to have the entire beach to ourselves. For lunch, we went back to the hostel; I ordered ceviche which was very tasty. Then we played pool volleyball and lounged around most of the afternoon. In the evening we went to the main beach, La Libertad, and explored. La Libertad was mostly a pier with a fish market. We found a light house that had a restaurant at the top. Our dinner sun-set was very beautiful. Back at the hostel we played some card games and jumbo janga. By the end of the night, I danced to Thriller in a ridiculous red dress because I lost and then played volleyball until 1 am. Loads of fun!
On Saturday morning, we participated in a turtle release. Each of us was able to free a baby turtle into the ocean. We watched as they got tossed back and forth, we called it the Turtle Liberation Movement. We had to say goodbye to la playa and begin the second half of our trip. We were going back to the capital, San Salvador, to visit Sage’s friends. We met them at a very posh coffee shop. We continued our conversations over sushi (the first sushi since being away). The parts of San Salvador that we experiences reminded me a lot of the OC. Later that night we ate some home made pupusas and watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness.
On Sunday, we went to church. Sage’s friends have really found a home within their church congregation, something I envy. In the afternoon, we went to a coffee plantation where we drank coffee and ate dessert. The coffee plantation was located at the top of a mountain. That night we country lined danced in the living room. (I miss you Laura!)
The last adventure was our Taxi ride to the bus station on Monday morning. We had a friend call our taxi for us and we thought he knew where he was going. He didn’t… so we arrived at our bus station a little after noon when it was supposed to leave at noon. Good thing we are in Central American time. Oh, also for those who are curious, we were able to enter the country after the election. Things went more smoothly than a lot of us had envisioned.
PS: I received the best news when I returned. I will be having a visitor during the holiday season.
Thanks Mego for the pics!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thanksgiving
So the last few days I’ve been feeling down. I think there are a lot of various factors that are causing this “funk”- I feel as if I’m not teaching well, I don’t have enough patience when I know its necessary, I don’t feel like I belong, and believe it or not I miss home. There are loads of people I miss. I miss people who care about my well being, care enough to truly listen, and care so much that they help me grow and develop. I know in these moments, when I’m on the edge about to fall, I need to have more faith that God is present. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” As God’s provision is evident in little and great ways, I have hope that God has a vision for me even when that vision is not clear to me.
Recently, the student that I’ve been struggling with revealed that he enjoys my class. One of the options for him was to move to another classroom to see if he would behave better in a different environment. When the principal asked how he would feel if he were moved, he said that he would be sad. She asked why and he said that he likes his teacher. I just hope that in the future, he’ll be able to respect me more. I’m thankful for his challenge; he inspires me to strive to become a better teacher.
Yesterday we had a Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by our school. It was located at a nice inn owned by parents of IST students. The food was great, all the essential thanksgiving food was present (mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato, cranberry sauce, turkey, and drum roll…. pumpkin pie). Todos es rico! I’m thankful for tasty food.
Today was an uplifting day, despite the fact that we haven’t had water since Thursday. (I’m thankful for showers whenever someone opens up their bathroom doors.) Originally, I was going to spend my day waiting for a call so that we could get a dress fitted. (I need to get a dress made for the Christmas program. The Kindergarten Christmas program is a HUGE deal. The kids are so cute singing and shimmying.) However, I got an email from one of the other kinder teachers saying that our dress appointment will be postponed. I let out a little gasp of glee because I finally have a Saturday free! My housemates, another friend, and I went to El Centro, one of my favorite places in Teguc. It was so sweet not to have any time restraints and just roam wherever our feet wanted to wander. Our first stop was Nicolati’s, a creperia located on a 16th street like strip (it reminds me more of a walking mall in Chihuahua). I ordered a pinnini primavera with a granita (like a Starbucks frapp but better) and some papaitas. The ambiance of Nicolati’s is phenomenal. We had some other Centro encounters, the best was a couple who escorted us to an ATM after they noticed our gringa and lost faces. I am thankful for great hospitality.
And our final destination: the market. The market has become my little escape; my goal is to go at least two weekends a month. This place is a place where I feel real- not sheltered- not terribly lost but happy and blessed. Happy because I’m living in Honduras and blessed because I am privileged in that I can purchase all that I need and want. My life is saturated by North American culture (a blog in itself) so I very much look forward to any opportunity to take part in Honduran culture. Currently, I feel the most myself when I’m embracing Honduras by doing something “outside the comfort zone”. I’m thankful for three movies for $5 but more than that I’m thankful for a reality check.
In a few days I’ll be going to El Salvador. I’m thankful for a break!
Recently, the student that I’ve been struggling with revealed that he enjoys my class. One of the options for him was to move to another classroom to see if he would behave better in a different environment. When the principal asked how he would feel if he were moved, he said that he would be sad. She asked why and he said that he likes his teacher. I just hope that in the future, he’ll be able to respect me more. I’m thankful for his challenge; he inspires me to strive to become a better teacher.
Yesterday we had a Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by our school. It was located at a nice inn owned by parents of IST students. The food was great, all the essential thanksgiving food was present (mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato, cranberry sauce, turkey, and drum roll…. pumpkin pie). Todos es rico! I’m thankful for tasty food.
Today was an uplifting day, despite the fact that we haven’t had water since Thursday. (I’m thankful for showers whenever someone opens up their bathroom doors.) Originally, I was going to spend my day waiting for a call so that we could get a dress fitted. (I need to get a dress made for the Christmas program. The Kindergarten Christmas program is a HUGE deal. The kids are so cute singing and shimmying.) However, I got an email from one of the other kinder teachers saying that our dress appointment will be postponed. I let out a little gasp of glee because I finally have a Saturday free! My housemates, another friend, and I went to El Centro, one of my favorite places in Teguc. It was so sweet not to have any time restraints and just roam wherever our feet wanted to wander. Our first stop was Nicolati’s, a creperia located on a 16th street like strip (it reminds me more of a walking mall in Chihuahua). I ordered a pinnini primavera with a granita (like a Starbucks frapp but better) and some papaitas. The ambiance of Nicolati’s is phenomenal. We had some other Centro encounters, the best was a couple who escorted us to an ATM after they noticed our gringa and lost faces. I am thankful for great hospitality.
And our final destination: the market. The market has become my little escape; my goal is to go at least two weekends a month. This place is a place where I feel real- not sheltered- not terribly lost but happy and blessed. Happy because I’m living in Honduras and blessed because I am privileged in that I can purchase all that I need and want. My life is saturated by North American culture (a blog in itself) so I very much look forward to any opportunity to take part in Honduran culture. Currently, I feel the most myself when I’m embracing Honduras by doing something “outside the comfort zone”. I’m thankful for three movies for $5 but more than that I’m thankful for a reality check.
In a few days I’ll be going to El Salvador. I’m thankful for a break!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Looking Into the Heart
The last three weeks have been hell. Everything is just SO hard. I feel like I’m very inadequate. I feel like I’m failing. My class room is the most trying obstacle but in so many other ways I’m being challenged. Nothing is simple. Everyday is an up hill struggle. And I still ask myself why. What is my purpose here, ahorita (now)?
On a completely more positive note: I was really blessed by the parent conferences. I was a little nervous before hand because I have a handful of students that I’m truly worried with. The conference in general went very well. Most all of my parents are very understanding and supportive. They are so willing to assist in any way that they can. After the first partial, I realized how many bright students I have. Sometimes I forget because I focus so much attention on those who are struggling academically and behaviorally. I have some really mature students and I have others who just bring a smile on my face after the end of the day.
One conference in particular was very unique. The mom didn’t open her student’s report card at all in my presence. Her first question was, “How is my son’s behavior in class?” She continued to ask questions about his interactions with others, “Is he kind?” “Does he share?” “Does he fight with others? “How does he treat girls?” Later she said that she is much more interested in his character than in his academics. That was such a surprise! I wish more parents had her heart. I wish my parents had such a philosophy. She modeled God’s prime concern for our heart. It reminded me of the song, "The Heart of Worship," one line states:
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I was encouraged by her desire in molding his heart. Her child gives great big hugs and is one of those who make me smile. I’m very privileged to work with each of my twenty-one students. This hardship is worth it.
On a completely more positive note: I was really blessed by the parent conferences. I was a little nervous before hand because I have a handful of students that I’m truly worried with. The conference in general went very well. Most all of my parents are very understanding and supportive. They are so willing to assist in any way that they can. After the first partial, I realized how many bright students I have. Sometimes I forget because I focus so much attention on those who are struggling academically and behaviorally. I have some really mature students and I have others who just bring a smile on my face after the end of the day.
One conference in particular was very unique. The mom didn’t open her student’s report card at all in my presence. Her first question was, “How is my son’s behavior in class?” She continued to ask questions about his interactions with others, “Is he kind?” “Does he share?” “Does he fight with others? “How does he treat girls?” Later she said that she is much more interested in his character than in his academics. That was such a surprise! I wish more parents had her heart. I wish my parents had such a philosophy. She modeled God’s prime concern for our heart. It reminded me of the song, "The Heart of Worship," one line states:
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I was encouraged by her desire in molding his heart. Her child gives great big hugs and is one of those who make me smile. I’m very privileged to work with each of my twenty-one students. This hardship is worth it.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Refreshing Weekend: If only it could last a little bit longer
In celebration of our first complete partial, we traveled to Lago de Yojoa. On a good day the trip would be three hours, however on Friday it took over six hours due to awful construction and a minor car accident. I was sitting in the front row when we crashed, not fun. By the time we arrived at the hotel it was dark. We had a nice meal and then a time to fellowship together. During the time, we split up into smaller groups and shared why we are here at IST (International School of Tegucigalpa). It was a really good time of reflection.
The next morning, I woke up early. I went on a little walk to the lake shore. There was a really cute bridge that had a great view of the lake. I sat for awhile on the bridge and read a book by Shane Claiborne, Jesus For President (I’m a big fan). It was one of the most tranquil mornings just to spend some time doing what I love and being surrounded by beauty.
Then we went to the waterfall which was gorgeous! It was also outrageously strong! The majority of us decided to go on a hike so that we could go under the waterfall. It was so narley! It was one of the most adventurous water encounters I’ve had: we had to jump from a rock into a pool so that we could cross to the next rock, we held hands so that we could help guide the next person. When I walked under the waterfall the pressure was so intense, I loved it. It was so amazing to look up and see all the water coming from all directions.
Afterward, four of us decided to extend our trip and we went to a hostel called DandD Brewery for the night. We mostly laid around in hammocks reading, listened to great jams, played cards, and exchanged stories. I went on a few walks solo. There is a coffee plantation nearby and supposedly an ancient Mayan futbol field. That night we ate well and had some home made root bear as well as raspberry ale.
The next morning we said fare-well and hit the road. That day (Sunday) was the first time that I’ve ever hitch hiked! It was seriously the high light of Honduras thus far! The distance from DandD and Tegucigalpa was over 100 miles. We hoped in and out of a total of three trucks. We left at 10:10 am and arrived a little after 1pm. We made much better timing returning hitch hiking than we did when we were on the bus.
PS: Next time I have a gran adventure I need to blog that night because the next day will be more exhausting. Monday was not a good day in my Kinder class room.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Home sweet Home. (Pero donde esta mi casa ahorita?)
Part I: Heading to the States (06/10/09)
So I’m sitting at the airport here in Teguc, its so bare. There’s me and one other woman, granted I'm about two hours early.
I’m really looking forward to going to the states. This will be a very nice break, much needed. The last few days have finally felt normal which is so good. It was really hard for me when the whole political situation was so crazy. I really didn’t enjoy being a prisoner in my own home. But I guess it was best that I was safe. There are so many unknown and uncertain factors that affect my everyday decisions, like whether or not I could walk myself to my friends house that is only 10 minutes away. It seems like we have our eyes in all directions in order to protect ourselves, from the unknown. I really don’t like being so paranoid, I don't want to imagine the worse case scenario when I'm walking around the corner. I wish I could say that I’m confident walking in my own neighborhood, however this is not the case.
This goes to show that I have a more optimistic perspective. This way of viewing humanity is so unnatural to me. I would like to say Hola to every person I pass, but then I’m drawing unnecessary attention to myself. I hate that this fear has the potential to halt kindness. I hate that I can’t even make eye contact with another fearing that I might be giving him the wrong idea. Such is the life of an American-woman in Honduras. Its unfortunate, that we can’t live in faith. Faith that says we can trust our neighbor. Faith that allows us to develop communities.
This weekend has been the finally felt normal. On Thursday I went to coffee with the other three Kinder teachers and our principle. We went to a place called Café de France, the pastries there were so tasty, I ordered two. I felt like a gorda. The next day, I went to the open market downtown, it was honestly the most liberating experience I've had in Honduras. Walking the streets of centro at night. I loved it! I think it was the first moment that reassured me that I would be able to live and thrive here for the next two years. It was great watching people purchasing their weekly groceries and living as if this political crisis doesn't exist.
Part II: Returning back to my new Casa (12/10)
So when I was being questioned by immigration entering the states in Houston, they asked me where my house was and I said Honduras. I incorrectly filled out the form by stating that I was a U.S. resident, no es verdad. Ahorita mi casa es aqui en Honduras. I'm a Honduran resident. This is more true now that I've returned.
When I was cruising the streets in Denver, it felt so weird but I didn't feel like I belonged. I know the streets like the back of my hand but I didn't recognize it.
(Gilbert and I at the wedding.)
I really enjoyed the time that I spent at home. I loved seeing all my friends. And being able to spend significant time with loved ones. I thoroughly enjoyed the wedding on Sat. It was so beautiful to wake up on Saturday morning to see snow on the ground. But I knew that I'm not destined to stay in Colorado, not now at least. I still question what I'm doing here in Honduras. I feel slightly homeless.
When I entered my classroom after a week absence all the children greeted me with BIG hugs and HUMANGIOUS smiles, I felt a sense of belonging and maybe purpose. I missed my ninos muchisimo. I'm glad that they missed me too.
So I’m sitting at the airport here in Teguc, its so bare. There’s me and one other woman, granted I'm about two hours early.
I’m really looking forward to going to the states. This will be a very nice break, much needed. The last few days have finally felt normal which is so good. It was really hard for me when the whole political situation was so crazy. I really didn’t enjoy being a prisoner in my own home. But I guess it was best that I was safe. There are so many unknown and uncertain factors that affect my everyday decisions, like whether or not I could walk myself to my friends house that is only 10 minutes away. It seems like we have our eyes in all directions in order to protect ourselves, from the unknown. I really don’t like being so paranoid, I don't want to imagine the worse case scenario when I'm walking around the corner. I wish I could say that I’m confident walking in my own neighborhood, however this is not the case.
This goes to show that I have a more optimistic perspective. This way of viewing humanity is so unnatural to me. I would like to say Hola to every person I pass, but then I’m drawing unnecessary attention to myself. I hate that this fear has the potential to halt kindness. I hate that I can’t even make eye contact with another fearing that I might be giving him the wrong idea. Such is the life of an American-woman in Honduras. Its unfortunate, that we can’t live in faith. Faith that says we can trust our neighbor. Faith that allows us to develop communities.
This weekend has been the finally felt normal. On Thursday I went to coffee with the other three Kinder teachers and our principle. We went to a place called Café de France, the pastries there were so tasty, I ordered two. I felt like a gorda. The next day, I went to the open market downtown, it was honestly the most liberating experience I've had in Honduras. Walking the streets of centro at night. I loved it! I think it was the first moment that reassured me that I would be able to live and thrive here for the next two years. It was great watching people purchasing their weekly groceries and living as if this political crisis doesn't exist.
Part II: Returning back to my new Casa (12/10)
So when I was being questioned by immigration entering the states in Houston, they asked me where my house was and I said Honduras. I incorrectly filled out the form by stating that I was a U.S. resident, no es verdad. Ahorita mi casa es aqui en Honduras. I'm a Honduran resident. This is more true now that I've returned.
When I was cruising the streets in Denver, it felt so weird but I didn't feel like I belonged. I know the streets like the back of my hand but I didn't recognize it.
(Gilbert and I at the wedding.)
I really enjoyed the time that I spent at home. I loved seeing all my friends. And being able to spend significant time with loved ones. I thoroughly enjoyed the wedding on Sat. It was so beautiful to wake up on Saturday morning to see snow on the ground. But I knew that I'm not destined to stay in Colorado, not now at least. I still question what I'm doing here in Honduras. I feel slightly homeless.
When I entered my classroom after a week absence all the children greeted me with BIG hugs and HUMANGIOUS smiles, I felt a sense of belonging and maybe purpose. I missed my ninos muchisimo. I'm glad that they missed me too.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A short lesson on Third World "Democracy"
So I’ve finally decided to write a blog. I’ve been debating whether or not to start so late in the game but, as Debbi says, “Its better late than never.” So here goes…
Plus, I have a whole grip of time due to the forty (this is an approximation) hour curfew that has been imposed by the government. I’ve been in lockdown since Monday 9/21 at 4 pm, right after school. On Monday, the curfew was supposed to be lifted at 7 am; however, that was not the case. Later on Monday night, while watching the news, it was announced that the curfew would be extended until 6 pm on Tuesday. By the time 6 pm Tuesday rolls around, the curfew again is extended until 6 am on Wed. Needless to say we will be locked up in our house until who knows when or when something happens with Mel, the former president of
The content of my first blog will pertain to my basic knowledge of what’s happening here in
Mel attempted to issue a mass opinion poll to Honduran citizens. One of the questions on the poll was whether or not the people would be in favor of extending the amount of time a president could hold office. This among other things stirred controversy because Mel was trying to change the constitution so that he would be able to hold power longer. The major threat is that Mel is in cahoots with Hugo Chavez, the president of
Since my arrival on Aug 15, there were no signs that a coup had occurred two months prior. Of course it’s not the safest here, more stories of the adventures and everyday living in
The fact that Mel has returned after a three month period of exile, is not ok. His presence alone is arousing the tensions between those in favor of him and the golpistas. This time around seems to be a lot more aggressive than the actual coup in June. My concern is what his intentions are. One article that I read on BBC said that he wanted to dialogue with the golpistas. Micheletti is willing to open up conversations with Mel on one condition: that Mel recognizes that the elections in Nov. shall take place with no interruptions. Mel has yet to submit to this conditions. So currently
Side note, I wrote this journal first thing when I woke up a lot has changed since then. We were able to get out a little to get groceries, which was not fun. And another curfew was issued at 5pm until 6am. Supposedly tomorrow will be a normal day. Meaning, school is in session.
So its night time. Night Night!
Love you all!
Besos!
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